Dog Foster Program
Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) rescues dogs of all ages and breeds from our local municipal animal shelters, including the San Jose Animal Care Center, TriCity Animal Shelter, and the County of Santa Clara Animal Services. We frequently rescue special needs dogs who require significant medical and behavioral support that cannot be accommodated in a standard shelter environment.
Unlike many rescues, SVPP delivers extensive, high-touch level of individualized care for every pet in our program. All dogs are placed in private, loving foster homes where SVPP covers 100% of the expenses for their medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, and daily supplies.
Post adoption training is offered when the dog has been attending training classes, meaning it has already been established that the dog needs training support. Having the adopter continue the training ensures that the dog will continue the progress it has started while in foster care and also helps the adopter build confidence and skill in managing their new dog.
Our foster program is guided and supported by a dedicated team of experts and compassionate professionals, including:
Animal Care Lead (Volunteer): Provides expert oversight on intake assessments, individualized medical protocols, and overall animal wellness.
Foster/Adoption Coordinator (Volunteer): Offers direct, hands-on support for foster onboarding, daily foster family coordination, and adoption counseling.
Veterinary Partners: A compassionate general practice team at VCA Blossom Hill led by former board member and current veterinary advisor Dr. Stacy Hare, alongside in-home end-of-life care specialist Dr. Jeni Goedken.
Behavior & Training Experts: A skilled behavior advisory team and trusted local dog training partners.
Dedicated Support Team: Passionate volunteers committed to assisting foster parents every step of the way.
Foster parents are provided with ongoing education, training, and 24/7 access to our proprietary Dog Foster Program Portal—a hub packed with comprehensive resources refined over years of rescue work. Because our foster parents know their foster dogs best, they play a vital, active role in the adoption feedback process to help ensure the perfect lifelong match.
Specialized Care Initiatives
Large Dog Foster-to-Adopt Program: Across the country and right here in our local shelters, large breed dogs face severe placement challenges due to widespread weight and breed discrimination. To break down these barriers and set these dogs up for lifelong success, SVPP developed a specialized Foster-to-Adopt program. Because large breed dogs often have unique physical and behavioral needs, this pathway partners with committed community members willing to invest in their transition. Adopters receive dedicated animal care and professional behavioral support over a typical 3-month period, ensuring both the dog and family have the resources and guidance needed to thrive before finalizing the adoption. (Learn more about specialty care for large breed dogs on our program detail page.)
Fospice (Foster Hospice) Program: Healing takes time, but for some special needs pets, SVPP becomes their forever safety net. Through our Fospice program, we care for dogs with terminal or severe medical conditions until the end of their lives, working as a team to prioritize their comfort and quality of life. (Visit our Fospice Memorial page to honor the sweet faces of our fospice pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.)
Fostering a pet with SVPP is a true labor of love requiring patience, commitment, and heart. If you have dog caregiving experience and a passion for rescue, please consider fostering a dog in need today!